Six-time Paralympic champion swimmer Bethany Firth and 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist bowler Gary Kelly will be Northern Ireland's flagbearers at Thursday's Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow.Firth is competing at her fourth Games and won gold in Birmingham four years ago.Kelly, who won his opening game of the men's singles against Fred Tafatu from Niue Island on Thursday morning, will represent Team NI at his third Games after claiming bronze in 2010.Kelly will carry the NI flag and Firth the King's batons at the ceremony held at Glasgow's Hydro arena which gets under way at 20:00 BST.For the first time, all 74 nations and territories will have their own baton specially designed to represent their culture."It's an honour and privilege to receive such a prestigious opportunity to carry the Northern Ireland flag on behalf of the athletes, my family and my friends," Kelly told BBC Sport NI."It's an incredibly special moment for our sport bowls and we had Mark McHugh and Jeremy Henry previously carrying the flag so to go on that list is a pretty cool feeling to join them, but it's about more than bowls and myself it is about representing our people, our culture and family and friends and that's what it's all about."Firth said she was "honoured", adding: "I've been representing Northern Ireland my whole life, even when I have been wearing my GB flag and just to go out there and hold that baton, I can't wait and I can't wait to tell Charlotte (her daughter) one day that mummy did it for Northern Ireland."

Shortly after announcing his commitment to Tennessee football, five-star running back David Gabriel Georges released a statement on social media addressing "negative media coverage, false narratives, and unfair assumptions" about his character and family."I also feel it is important to address something," Gabriel Georges wrote on July 22. "What should have been one of the most meaningful and joyful moment of my life has, at times, been overshadowed by negative media coverage, false narratives, and unfair assumptions about both my character and my family. I understand the passion, excitement, and pride that college football inspires, and I have great respect for every fan base and every program involved in this process. However, any form of harassment and the spread of misinformation is simply unnecessary and uncalled for."My statement. pic.twitter.com/ziO781w8kE David Gabriel Georges (@DavidGG27) July 22, 2026Gabriel Georges chose Tennessee over Ohio State and Ole Miss after a hotly contested and widely followed recruitment. With him being a top-10 recruit in the class of 2027 and the nation's No. 2 running back prospect, per the 247Sports Composite, discussion as to where he would go was lively with rumors aplenty.Fans of the programs involved sparred throughout the recruiting process, spreading theories about his decision and its motives."This decision was mine and was made through careful thought, prayer, and countless conversations with those I trust most," Gabriel Georges wrote. "I respectfully ask that my decision be honored and that people refrain from making assumptions or spreading false information."Gabriel Georges concluded his statement by saying that his focus is on finishing the school year strong as he prepares for his senior season at Baylor School in Chattanooga before enrolling at Tennessee."To everyone who has stood by me throughout this journey, thank you," he said. "Your encouragement has meant the world to me. I cant wait to begin this next chapter, represent my new program with pride, and continue chasing my dreams. The future is bright, and I am excited for everything that is still to come. Go Vols!"Emmett Siegel coversTennesseebaseball for Knox News. Email:emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X:@EmmettSiegel_This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: David Gabriel Georges condemns 'false narratives,' harassment during recruitment

As the NHL salary cap increases, front offices seem to think they can freely spend large sums on players without facing any repercussions. However, the salary cap still serves as a strict limit within the league, and several teams have handed out notably expensive contracts, raising concerns about long-term financial sustainability and competitive balance.MORE: Biggest winners and losers in NHL free agency day 1Jacob Trouba 4-Year $8.3M AAV | San Jose SharksJacob Trouba, signed by the San Jose Sharks, was seen as a massive overpayment. Getting a veteran in the room for a young Sharks team is beneficial. Paying Trouba over 8 million for the next four seasons is not. Trouba defensively wasnt strong enough to earn a raise.Alex Tuch 8-Year $10.5M AAV | Washington CapitalsApr 26, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) gets set for a face-off during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn ImagesAlex Tuch should be a strong presence for the Capitals, but the term is where things get shaky with him already in his 30s. Washington is trying to build a strong team right now, and with Tuch locked in for eight seasons, how many of those eight will be worth the cost?Bowen Byram 6-Year $12.5M AAV | Chicago BlackhawksWhen the Blackhawks made the huge splash for Bowen Byram, the first thing on their mind was getting him extended. Byram has had injury concerns in his past, and this is a big gamble. He is now being paid to be the number one defenseman. Connor Bedard needs help, and if Byram can help Bedard set the Blackhawks up for a playoff run, this deal may not be the worst.Leo Carlsson 5-Year $18M AAV | Anaheim DucksMar 12, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN. Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson (91) skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesThe Flyers tried to go after Leo Carlsson, and they put the Anaheim Ducks in a predicament. Either you pay the big deal for the young superstar, or he heads to Philly. The Carlsson deal now makes it difficult for the Ducks to make other deals, such as Cutter Gauthier, who wants a big payday now, seeing that his teammate just got a big deal.Trent Fredric, 8-Year $3.85 AAV | Edmonton OilersTrent Fredric signed an 8-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers back in 2025, and giving out this long of a term isnt smart. Fredric is primarily a bottom-six forward, and while the money per season isnt bad, the term is. Fredric is projected to be a fourth-line winger, and the Oilers handed him an 8-year deal.NHL contracts are expected to rise in cost as the salary cap grows. This will complicate teams choices between committing to long-term deals or opting for shorter contracts for their star players. Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead

Celtics' Jordan Walsh Gets $15 Million Contract Update originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Jordan Walsh got paid.The Boston Celtics' key reserve forward has earned a contract extension, and it will pay him quite nicely.ESPN's Shams Charania reported this news on X on Thursday morning:"Boston Celtics forward Jordan Walsh has agreed to a three-year, $15 million contract extension with the franchise through the 2029-30 season, sources tell ESPN. Boston picked up Walsh's $2.4M option on next season and adds three more years for their 2023 second-rounder."It's a well-deserved extension for Walsh.MORE:2 players stopped Celtics from trading for Giannis AntetokounmpoFor the Celtics, it secures some financial certainty going forward, which is particularly important given the extent of the salary cap that Jayson Tatum and Paul George combine to take up. A useful player on a much cheaper salary is quite valuable.The 22-year old from Texas, by way of the University of Arkansas, stands 6-foot-6 and has already played parts of three NBA seasons.Walsh had very little action as a rookie, but he played 52 games in 2024-25 and 68 games in 2025-26.This past season was by far Walsh's best, and it included 25 starts. Overall, he averaged 5.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks per game.Walsh also raised his 3-point shooting to 38.4%, much better than it had been prior.If Walsh keeps shooting like that, he'll definitely be worth the contract.And it's already a huge achievement for him to get an extension like this as a former second-round pick. He earned it, for sure.More CelticsLatest CelticsnewsTD Garden fan guide: What to know before you goComplete history of Celticschampionships

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The Indiana Fever have issued a statement responding to a social media post from Brianna Turner alleging that a male staffer was fired by the team last season due to sexual harassment and players were encouraged to keep quiet about it. Protecting our players and employees and maintaining a respectful, professional workplace is our top priority, said the Fevers statement (via The Athletics Annie Costabile). Our policy is to take concerns seriously, investigate thoroughly, and act promptly when appropriate to protect the people in our organization and ensure everyone is treated with professionalism and respect, the statement added.Statement from the Indiana Fever in response to last nights post from former Fever forward Brianna Turner alleging a male staffer was fired for sexual harassment last year. pic.twitter.com/je7TSH67rc Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) July 23, 2026The Fever concluded by saying the team does not comment on personnel matters involving former employees to maintain trust and safety in that investigative process.This story will be updated with more information.

Leeds United are in talks to sign James Trafford from Manchester City.The England goalkeeper, who only returned to the Etihad Stadium last summer, could be on the move again. Trafford has been a long-term target for Newcastle, who bid for him last summer, and was also of interest to Aston Villa but Leeds are now favourites to sign the 23-year-old. Karl Darlow, who finished last season as Leeds first-choice goalkeeper, has left Elland Road to join Manchester United on a free transfer while Illan Meslier, who has signed for Arsenal, has also moved on, leaving manager Daniel Farke looking to buy. Lucas Perri was bought by Leeds last summer, but lost his place during the season.Trafford, who came through Citys academy, was bought back last summer after City activated their matching rights clause when Newcastle had made an offer for him.But Trafford was surprised when City then bought Gianluigi Donnarumma, with the Italy international becoming the regular in the Premier League and the Champions League.Trafford only made four Premier League appearances for City, though he did start the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals to give him two medals to show for his second spell at City.

Report: Aston Villa Target 100m Triple Chelsea RaidAston Villa Transfers Heat Up as Alejandro Garnacho Deal Nears and Chelsea Trio Talks ContinueAston Villas summer is gathering serious momentum, with an agreement now in place for Alejandro Garnacho and further discussions under way over additional Chelsea arrivals. According to TEAMtalk, Villa have moved decisively to put themselves at the front of the queue, and this already feels like a transfer window being shaped directly by Unai Emerys priorities.The headline development is clear. Villa have finalised an agreement with Chelsea for Alejandro Garnacho and are planning to announce the Argentina internationals arrival on Thursday. For a club preparing for another demanding season across domestic and European competition, that is a significant statement of intent, especially given the calibre of interest elsewhere.TEAMtalk reports that both Roma and Napoli explored the situation, yet both Serie A clubs were informed that Garnacho had already committed himself to joining Aston Villa and working under Unai Emery. That detail matters. It suggests this is more than an opportunistic move, it points to a player buying into the project and a manager once again proving persuasive in the market.Garnacho agreement reflects Emery influenceEmerys role in this deal appears central. The report states, Emery has been the driving force behind the move. It adds that the Villa manager was an admirer of Garnacho long before his move to Chelsea last summer and had previously attempted to bring him to Villa Park. Those lines offer valuable context. This is not a sudden reaction to availability, it is a long-running interest that Villa have now been able to convert into action.The structure of the agreement is also notable. Villa and Chelsea have agreed a loan deal containing an obligation to buy, with the permanent trigger dependent on appearance clauses described as very attainable. That language strongly indicates confidence on all sides. More than that, Garnacho has already agreed a long-term contract with Villa, reinforcing the expectation that this will become a permanent transfer in due course.Photo IMAGOThere is another intriguing layer to this. The move is said to have emerged during talks over Morgan Rogers 117m switch to Stamford Bridge. In high-level negotiations between Premier League clubs, one deal often opens the door to others, and that appears to be exactly what has happened here.Chelsea trio links underline Villa ambitionGarnacho may be the first piece, but he may not be the last. TEAMtalk says Villa remain in negotiations over Nicolas Jackson, with Emery eager to strengthen his options in attack. Jackson, valued by Chelsea at a minimum of 65million, is understood to be open to a permanent move, particularly with Joao Pedro seen as the preferred No.9 and further attacking recruitment still possible at Stamford Bridge.From Villas perspective, the logic is easy to follow. Emery knows Jackson well from their time together at Villarreal, and familiarity can be important when targeting players expected to adapt quickly. If Villa are to compete effectively on multiple fronts, adding another forward with Premier League and European-level experience would fit the strategy.Photo IMAGOThere is also movement on the defensive side. TEAMtalk reports that Villa have enquired about Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi as they assess the market for reinforcements at the back. Badiashile arrived at Chelsea for 35m, while Disasi cost 38.8m, meaning those two defenders alone represent a substantial investment. Add Jacksons 32m arrival fee to Chelsea, and the scale of the trio under discussion reaches 105.8m.Trevoh Chalobah was also mentioned, though the report says he is now close to joining Como. Even so, the wider picture remains obvious. Villa are actively exploring Chelseas squad for players who may be available and who could immediately improve Emerys group.Champions League push driving transfer strategyWhat stands out from this Aston Villa transfer story is the coherence. These are not random names. Garnacho offers dynamism and directness, Jackson would bring athleticism and familiarity with Emery, while Badiashile or Disasi would address depth and physicality in defence. It all aligns with the challenge of balancing Premier League demands with Champions League football.There is still work to do before any further deals are completed, and valuations will be crucial. Chelseas asking price for Jackson in particular is high, and Villa will need to judge carefully where the market allows them to push. Yet the Garnacho breakthrough suggests productive dialogue between the clubs already exists.For now, the key point is that Villa are operating with conviction. One agreement appears sealed, and the possibility of more business with Chelsea remains live. If Emery gets a strong finish to this sequence, it could become one of the defining storylines of Villas summer.Our ViewAs an Aston Villa supporter, this report is the kind that immediately grabs your attention because it feels ambitious, targeted and believable all at once. Garnacho is the obvious headline name, and if he really has already committed himself to joining Aston Villa and working under Unai Emery, that says plenty about where the club stands right now. Villa are no longer hoping to convince players, they are increasingly becoming a destination.The most encouraging part is Emerys influence. When you read that Emery has been the driving force behind the move, it gives the whole story extra weight. Villa fans have seen what happens when the manager gets players he truly wants. There is usually a tactical purpose behind it, and that should be reassuring.Jackson is probably the one that splits opinion most. The talent is obvious, and Emery knowing him from Villarreal is a major plus, but 65million is huge money. If Villa push that hard, supporters will want confidence that he can become a reliable goalscorer rather than simply an exciting option. In defence, Badiashile or Disasi feels easier to understand because depth will be essential if Villa are serious about competing in Europe again.Overall, this sounds like a club thinking bigger. Garnacho would be a statement, and adding one or two more from Chelsea would show that Villa are determined to build, not merely hold their position.

Why more than 60,000 Argentina fans are petitioning for FIFA to replay World Cup final vs. Spain originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The end of Argentina's 2026 World Cup run has been a brutal one, to say the least. Along with Messi's probable international soccer retirement looming, Argentine fans have not handled their 1-0 loss to Spain well.One fan who believes Argentina was robbed of a win due to poor refereeing has created a petition that has since garnered more than 60,000 signatures. While the number of signatures nears the capacity of MetLife Stadium, can FIFA do anything?Here's why a large group of La Albiceleste fans has signed a petition to replay the World Cup final and whether FIFA is allowed to replay a match due to a petition.MORE:Ranking the top 14 moments from the 2026 World CupArgentina-Spain World Cup final petitionAccording to beIN SPORTS,Gisela Sanchez created a petition on Change.org to have FIFA replay the 2026 World Cup final match between Argentina and Spain. While early numbers showed the petition had 61,000 signatures, Euronews reports that the actual number sits at over 80,700 signatures. Sanchez's petition text states that a few decisions from referee Slavko Vincic and his staff impacted how the match played out.She has asked FIFA to review the incidents and irregularities; however, the post does not provide valid evidence to support those claims. Unless FIFA deems it worthy of a replay in extreme circumstances, this match will not be replayed solely because of this petition.NEWS | Argentine fans launch petition to replay 2026 World Cup Final as signatures surpass 61,000Argentine fans have launched an online petition calling for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Argentina and Spain to be replayed, with the campaign gathering more than 61,500 pic.twitter.com/SIXHeylpNz ZiFM Stereo News (@ZiFMStereoNews) July 23, 2026On the complete other side of the spectrum, another petition has gone viral asking for La Albiceleste to be banned permanently from future global tournaments. This petition has over 24 million signatures, according to TSN Sports, and is nearing the Guinness World Record for the most ever.A petition to kick Argentina from the #FIFAWorldCup gathered over 23 million signatures from across 170 countries... almost breaking a Guinness World Record for the most signatories to a petition (24,319,181) The petition was closed with a thank-you note after Spain pic.twitter.com/mO9QNxabl2 TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 21, 2026MORE:What are the top 10 goals from the latest World Cup?Will FIFA replay the Argentina vs. Spain World Cup final?No, the World Cup final match between Argentina and Spain will not be replayed.A Change.org petition, no matter how many signatures accompany it, has no legal or binding effect on the result of Spain's World Cup win.MORE:How did Sergio Ramos troll Lionel Messi?